Bharat Bandh 2018: Groups turn to social media to call for April 10 protest

First came violent protests by Dalit groups across northern states on April 2 against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act that left 11 people dead and hundreds others injured. Now, there is another Bharat Bandh planned for Tuesday, calls for which have been given by some groups on social media, against those clashes and caste-based reservations in jobs and education.

The Centre advised all states on Monday to be extra vigilant and beef up security to prevent violence and loss of life and property. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said DMs and SPs will be held responsible for any violence in their jurisdiction. States have been asked to intensify patrolling in all sensitive locations to prevent any loss of life or damage to property.

The government was caught off-guard during the April 2 protests organised against the Supreme Court’s March 20 order that banned automatic arrests under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act-1989, and held that a court can grant anticipatory bail in case of false complaints.

Officials said social media is being closely monitored for rumour-mongering aimed at rallying crowds and trigger violence. States will issue prohibitory orders, if needed.

Dalit organisations and some political parties, including Congress, have feared the “dilution” in the Act would spike violence against Dalits. The government moved the court on the day of clashes for the order’s review — a move termed too late by the Opposition.

SC refused to freeze its decision the next day and said its intention was to protect individual rights. It will continue hearing the case.

Source: DNA India